Monday, February 15, 2010

Who said What?

Some notes on teams that didn't do very well this season but look like they're on the right path to success

top 5:

1-Seahwaks
2-Bills
3-Browns
4-Broncos
5-Panthers

1- The Seattle Seahawks are one of the most underrated teams today. They don't have hot shot players, they don't have the media on them constantly, and nobody really cares what they do with regards to player movement. Their active quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, is not a bad player. Age may be a factor when considering his NFL life, but then again, Brett Favre is proof that age is just a number. With the acquisition of WR Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech, the Seahawks have positioned themselves for greatness. Crabtree is known for his impressive speed, meaning any cornerback who goes up against him knows he wont be easy to contain. He doesn't have the height that other receivers like A. Johnson, Larry Fitz, and Marques Colston have, but he doesn't have to. Many a good receivers have done well with the height factor against them, for example, Steve Smith from the Panthers, Santana Moss from the Redskins and DeSean Jackson from Philly. Another reason they'll shine bright is their administration. Their owner, Paul Allen, the same guy who made millions with Bill Gates isn't stupid, he knows his team is not doing well. With the economic strength on their side, this postseason and upcoming draft will be big for them. They should draft an O-Guard, O-Tackle or Tight End, to compliment the O-Line. If they cant protect the QB with a guard or a tackle, a tight end should be perfect for a well settled blocking scheme. On top of players, their coach, Pete Carroll is well known for his prestigious play calling.

2- Buffalo Bills are the joke of the NFL. The fact that they have to compete against the Jets and Giants to gain a fan base up north isn't easy. Considering they picked up Terrell Owens, a once well respected receiver, should fit well into their upcoming season. He had a slow start, considering he's new to the team, and their quarterback situation was pretty bad. They couldn't settle a solid QB, and that's what they need to address this off season, simple as that. They also need to establish some protection for Marshawn Lynch if they expect to be contenders next season with the run game.

3- Cleveland Browns couldn't be any worse than how they are now. With Eric Mangini running this team, they don't seem to be getting anywhere. Until the end of this past season, Brady Quinn was the starting QB, which isn't a bad idea. He's young, talented, and smart. Quarterbacks from Notre Dame do not get drafted to ride bench, they mean business. Quinn needs to work on his accuracy. If the Browns can find some way to protect him, they'll be fine. Another important factor was the absence of Donte Stallworth. With his return, Quinn will have another receiver to work with, and a decent receiver if anything. The loss of Braylon Edwards left a gap in their receiving core, but Josh Cribs, on top of his amazing speed and kick returning abilities, should work out perfectly with Quinn or Anderson, whichever gets lucky. The Browns defense is what should be addressed this offseason. There exists no stability in it, no run defense and definitely not pass defense. Its a young team, with numerous rookies, and only time will tell if they are worth the push. If they go with most predictions,a solid linebacker could help the 30th ranked run defense in the league if Mike Holmgren has anything to say about it. Him being their president, guarantees that they are on a fast road to recovery.

4- The Denver Broncos are one season short from another post season appearance. Josh McDaniels may be a rookie coach, but it doesn't mean he's not working hard. The fact that Brandon Marshall was being a immature and complaining about the team didn't help the chemistry. He may not be fit for Kyle Orton's passing scheme, and McDaniels knows that. Maybe Eddie Royal will get the spotlight with Brandon Stokely on his side, and create a new line of receiving magic for Denver. Their team has nothing but talent. Their defense is probably on the top 5 right now, with Elvis Dumervil on LB and Champ Bailey on corner, shows they have what it takes. The offense, like many others, will improve with time. Orton's already been there for a season, and with Chris Simms on backup, the passing game shouldn't be a worry for them. Knowshon Moreno and Corell Buckhalter are solid runners. There doesn't seem to be a dominance in this duo, since they work together by sharing snaps. The broncos could go various ways this draft, they could go with a linebacker, to play alongside Dumervil, or draft a safety to give the backfield some depth and new blood.

5- The Carolina Panthers have always been a dangerous team. With Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad on the receiving end, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart running train on defenders, and Jake Delhomme on QB, the team hasn't had to worry much about talent. Although Delhomme's quality and fantasy value has decreased substantially, he still may have another year in him to try for a possible winning season. Williams has been nothing but amazing these past seasons. He's been ranked in the top 5 in most pre season fantasy ranks, and he doesn't disappoint. Regardless of injury, if he manages to stay healthy next season, there's not doubt in my mind that he can run miles up and down the field scoring countless TD's. Their problem is also QB protection, so this upcoming draft, they should be in the race to pick up the few but talented O-Linemen coming up.

1 comment:

  1. I think Carolina is the best out of these teams. Don't be surprised if QB Matt Moore becomes the next big thing. He was pretty impressive with the Cowboys a couple years ago, and apparently filled in well for Delhomme.

    Just as a note: The Niners drafted Crabtree. But the Seahwaks signed Houshmandzadeh as a free agent last year. The Seahwaks need to think QB. Plain and simple. I know you like Hasselbeck, and he is a fighter, but I would've dropped him a year ago if I was the Seattle brass.

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